Do You Need HVAC Repair? 7 Key Indicators Revealed
Kentucky is notorious for its seasonal temperature ranges and for how quickly the temperature can swing within a span of 24 hours. According to the National Weather Service, Lexington sits in a humid subtropical climate zone where winters can drop below 26 degrees Fahrenheit and summer heat can easily push past 85 degrees.
Because of the rapid temperature swings in the region, an HVAC system could be working flat out to cool your property in the afternoon. By the following morning, it might need to switch to heating mode. Because of the year-round demand that this places on HVAC equipment, the system is under higher-than-average strain and uses more energy.
According to Energy Star, HVAC systems account for roughly 50% of your home's total energy use, so a failing system can quickly drive up your bills and leave you uncomfortable in your home. Let's explore some of the most common heating and cooling problems that could require HVAC repair.
1: There's Uneven Temperature Between Rooms
There are a few common telltale signs that your system is struggling to keep up. If your room feels significantly warmer or cooler as you walk between them, it suggests that your system isn't distributing the air correctly. This could indicate problems like:
- Ductwork issues
- A failing blower motor
- A problem with the refrigerant
You shouldn't ignore such things, as none of these issues will resolve without intervention.
2: Your HVAC System Running Constantly
Another sign to look out for is that your system is running nonstop. While your HVAC system needs to work harder than average in Lexington, that doesn't mean the system should be running flat out 24/7. A constantly running system suggests it might be undersized for your property.
It could also have a dirty condenser coil, or it might be low on refrigerant. A system that runs constantly is more likely to develop further problems, so it's best to call in professionals to diagnose the issue.
3: Poor Indoor Humidity Control
Summers here in Lexington are incredibly humid, but your home should be a reliable refuge from the summer heat. If you can still feel the summer stickiness and dampness when you're inside with the doors and windows closed, it suggests the system is losing cooling capacity.
4: You Can Hear Unusual Noises Coming From The Unit
A well-functioning HVAC system should make nothing more than a gentle hum. If you're hearing a significant amount of noise coming from the unit, such as grinding or scraping, it could indicate worn-out mechanical components. Homeowners sometimes ignore these sounds and hope that they'll go away, but generally, a noisy unit will fail eventually.
When your HVAC unit starts making unusual sounds, it's best to get help from a qualified pro.
5: You Notice Burning Smells From The System
You also shouldn't be able to smell anything coming from your unit. A burning smell from the system indicates overheating or an electrical fault, and if you even suspect that such a smell is coming from your HVAC unit, you should switch the system off immediately.
6: There's a Musty Smell or Noticeable Mold Growth
A musty smell coming from the system isn't an immediate emergency, but the consequences could also be severe, as it might indicate mold or mildew growth inside the ducts.
This can cause mold to be distributed everywhere in your home, potentially causing health problems for you and your family. This is a massive concern for anyone with respiratory conditions, so don't hesitate to call a HVAC repair company.
7: You're Seeing Rising Energy Bills
When do rising energy bills signal an HVAC problem? Your HVAC system is probably your most significant energy expense, but the energy use should be reasonably consistent. A higher bill sometimes just means that your habits have changed, for example If you recently started working from home, you have a reasonable explanation for a higher cost.
However, if your routine and habits are fairly consistent but the bill just keeps getting higher, it could indicate system degradation. A modest drop in efficiency in your HVAC unit should be clearly visible on your monthly bills.
If you notice your utility bills slowly creeping up, it's worth contacting an HVAC technician to inspect your system and perform HVAC maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know Whether You Should Repair or Replace Your HVAC Unit?
Generally speaking, HVAC units that are more than 10 years old should always be considered for replacement, particularly if they develop problems. According to the Citizens Utility Board, a good rule of thumb is multiplying your HVAC system's age in years by the estimated repair cost. If the resulting figure surpasses $5000, you should probably replace the system rather than repair it.
An older system will likely fail again in a short time frame, and you'll just face repeated repair costs. You'll likely be forced to replace the unit anyway.
If you've noticed the telltale sound of a failing HVAC unit, as discussed here, you shouldn't wait for a full failure. The sooner you address the problem, the simpler and cheaper it will be to address it. A professional diagnostic will identify exactly what the problem is, and the HVAC technician will provide you with an estimate before any work begins.
When Should You Schedule HVAC Repairs and Inspections?
Here in Lexington, it's best to schedule repairs and inspections before the peak season in spring and early fall. If you wait until the summer or winter, you'll find that during heat waves and cold snaps, technicians tend to be much less available.
Looking for Reliable HVAC Repair?
HVAC systems will rarely fail without warning, so by knowing the warning signs, such as uneven temperatures, unusual noises and smells, and rising utility bills, you can address the problem early and call out a technician before the system fails completely.
Are you looking for a reliable and honest professional HVAC repair service here in the greater Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Area? Advantage Air HVAC has been serving the community for over 32 years, and during that time, we've built up a loyal customer base. Advantage Air HVAC always tells our customers what needs to be done, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. This is why they keep coming back.
Contact us today, and let's diagnose your air conditioning issues.
